Do you love deep, immersive storytelling, visual novels, and pick-your-path narrative adventures? Same! I find “reading a video game” just as cozy and relaxing as reading a book! Dark visual novels with puzzle elements are one of my favorite genres (hello, Danganronpa and the Zero Escape series!).
One of my absolute favorites is the free-to-play visual novelXdating sim on Steam: A Date with Death. A Date with Death was developed and published by Two and a Half Studios, who also wrapped up their “Storyteller’s Festival” event just this month.
The Storyteller’s Festival is an online event that showcases over 250 visual novels, narrative games, and interactive fiction across a variety of genres—from romance to horror. I highly suggest you follow the dev on Steam and Twitter/X so that you can watch the next one live.
For those of you that might have missed it this year, here are some of the highlights:
Games Coming Soon
These games are coming soon (some even have demos live now).
1000xRESIST – Futuristic sci-fi thriller
1000xRESIST is a minimalist puzzle game where players navigate through a grid of resistors by rotating and connecting them to reach the goal. With over 1000 levels of increasing difficulty, the game challenges players to strategize and solve puzzles using logic and spatial reasoning. The gameplay mechanics are simple yet engaging, providing a satisfying experience for puzzle enthusiasts.
Dreambound – Dark mystery drama
Dreambound is a narrative-driven adventure game that follows the story of a young girl named Bryn as she ventures through her dreams to uncover secrets and confront her fears. Players explore beautifully crafted dreamscapes, solve puzzles, and interact with unique characters to progress the narrative. With its touching story, stunning visuals, and atmospheric soundtrack, “Dreambound” offers an immersive experience that explores themes of self-discovery and overcoming adversity.
Moth Kubit – Corporate life RPG
Moth Kubit is a first-person adventure game where players control a moth exploring surreal environments and solving puzzles. Set in a dreamlike world, the game offers atmospheric storytelling and immersive visuals. With its unique concept and captivating ambiance, players embark on a journey filled with mystery and discovery.
Date Z – Choices matter mystery
Date Z is a visual novel game that combines elements of dating simulation and zombie survival. Players navigate through a post-apocalyptic world where they must balance building relationships with fellow survivors while managing resources and combating the undead. With multiple branching storylines and romantic options, the game offers a unique blend of romance and survival challenges in a zombie-infested setting.
Highly Rated
These narrative heavy games present at the event are rated Overwhelmingly Positive on Steam.
Roadwarden – Text based adventure RPG
Roadwarden is a text-based RPG adventure game set in a fantasy world where players take on the role of a wandering guardian. As a Roadwarden, they explore a richly detailed open world, encountering various characters and making decisions that shape the narrative. With its emphasis on immersive storytelling, player choices, and atmospheric exploration, Roadwarden offers a unique and engaging experience for fans of narrative-driven RPGs.
DRAMAtical Murder – LGBTQ+ anime VN
DRAMAtical Murder is a visual novel game set in a futuristic world where players follow the story of Aoba Seragaki, a young man drawn into a dangerous virtual reality game known as “Rhyme.” As Aoba navigates through the game’s mysteries, he encounters various characters, forms relationships, and unravels dark secrets. With its blend of romance, mystery, and cyberpunk themes, DRAMAtical Murder offers an engaging narrative experience with branching storylines and multiple endings.
A Date with Death – Unconventional romance
A Date with Death is a horror-themed visual novel game where players navigate a series of chilling encounters as they attempt to survive a deadly date with the Grim Reaper. Set in a mysterious mansion filled with traps and puzzles, players must make choices that impact their fate and determine whether they’ll escape or meet their demise. With its dark atmosphere, branching storylines, and intense decision-making, A Date with Death offers a thrilling and immersive experience for fans of horror and interactive storytelling.
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist – Deck building life sim
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist is a narrative-driven adventure game where players assume the role of a teenager sent to colonize an alien planet. Through interactive storytelling and decision-making, players navigate the challenges of survival, exploration, and interpersonal relationships in a foreign and hostile environment. With its engaging characters, branching storylines, and exploration of themes such as identity and belonging, the game offers an immersive experience that balances adventure with coming-of-age elements.
Cozy Game Reviews Pick
Games I am just personally stoked about from the festival!
Amelie – Psychological mystery WLW visual novel
Amelie is a narrative-driven puzzle game where players guide the titular character through memories to piece together her past. Set in a charming hand-drawn world, players solve puzzles and unravel the story of Amelie’s life, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery along the way. With its visually captivating art style, emotionally resonant narrative, and immersive gameplay mechanics, Amelie offers a heartfelt journey through the protagonist’s memories.
NIGHT/SHADE: You’re The Drug – Love, drugs, and murder
NIGHTSHADE: You’re The Drug is an interactive fiction game where players navigate a dark and gritty cyberpunk world as a private investigator. Through branching storylines and choices, players uncover mysteries, solve cases, and navigate complex relationships with various characters. With its noir atmosphere, gripping narrative, and immersive storytelling, NIGHTSHADE: You’re The Drug offers an engaging experience for fans of detective stories and interactive fiction.
Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers – Visual novel of love and pixels
Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers is a visual novel game that continues the story of the original Arcade Spirits, where players manage an arcade and build relationships with its patrons. Set in a vibrant retro-futuristic world, players navigate romantic storylines, make decisions that shape the narrative, and help the arcade thrive. With its colorful characters, diverse romance options, and engaging storytelling, The New Challengers offers a charming and immersive experience for fans of visual novels and arcade culture.
If Found… – LGBTQ+ VN about coming out
If Found is an interactive visual novel game that follows the story of Kasio, a young woman returning to her family home in Ireland. Through Kasio’s diary entries and erasure-based gameplay, players uncover her personal journey of self-discovery, identity, and relationships. With its hand-drawn art style, emotive storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics, If Found offers a poignant and immersive experience that explores themes of acceptance and belonging.
Haven – Action-adventure romance
Haven is an adventure RPG that follows the journey of two lovers, Yu and Kay, as they explore an alien world together. Players navigate the open world, gather resources, and engage in real-time combat while uncovering the secrets of the planet. With its focus on narrative-driven gameplay, cooperative exploration, and relationship dynamics, Haven offers a unique and immersive experience that emphasizes love and companionship in a beautifully crafted sci-fi setting.
Conclusion
What are your favorite narrative-driven cozy games? Let me know in the comments so I can check them out! I’m making a Best Cozy Visual Novels list very soon, so watch out for that!
You might also like: Short Cozy Games on Steam you Can Play in One Sitting